While getting ready for a production dinner with the film’s department heads, Verity has a video call with her best friends, Mel and Tessa. Anxious about seeing Monk at the dinner, Verity recalls the night she celebrated her Golden Globe win with champagne, which is rare for her since alcohol and her medication interact poorly, and she revealed the relationship to her friends.

The conversation shifts when Mel expresses concern that Tessa has stopped taking her medication. When Verity presses the issue, Mel vents her frustration about being the primary caretaker for Tessa, revealing the immense strain it puts on her. Mel comments, “[M]aybe you don’t realize how hard it can be living with you sometimes” (172). This deeply hurts Verity, reinforcing her belief that she should not subject a romantic partner to the challenges of her condition. Verity ends the call determined to remain single, despite her friends’ encouragement to find a partner.

As the film’s table read approaches, Monk reflects on his long friendship with Canon, which began when they were both struggling artists fresh out of college. He steels himself to see Verity again, determined to remain professional and suppress his unresolved feelings for the sake of the project.

At the table read, the cast and key crew gather on a backlot transformed into 1930s Harlem. The main cast is introduced: Neevah Saint as Dessi, Trey Scott as her husband Cal Hampton, and Olivia Ware as her roommate Tilda Hargrove. Canon asks Verity to explain the evolution of Tilda’s character. Verity reveals that Neevah discovered a box of Dessi’s old letters and journals, which proved that Dessi and Tilda were lovers. Verity, who is bisexual, expresses her pride in bringing their hidden love story to light. Monk thinks of Petra, and he finds himself unable to stop wondering why Verity hurt him, although his long-held anger begins to soften.

This chapter consists of a screenplay excerpt set in Harlem in 1936. Dessi and Tilda are unable to get tickets for a sold-out, all-Black production of Macbeth. Instead, Tilda convinces Dessi to go to the nearby Ubangi Club. Tilda gets them in for free by promising the bouncer, Gerald, that she will show him her breasts on their way out.

Inside, they are captivated by the headline performer, Gladys Bentley, a Black woman dressed in a tuxedo who sings bawdy lyrics. Dessi is mesmerized by Bentley’s talent and unapologetic presence. The shared experience creates a strong charge between the two women. Later, back in their apartment, Tilda initiates a sexual encounter. Dessi responds with enthusiasm, and the two become lovers.

A few weeks into filming, Verity speaks with the cinematographer, Jill Brigston, who invites her to an 80s-themed Halloween party. Verity discusses the pressure of her new studio deal and firmly states that she does not plan on having children. After Verity leaves her phone on set, she runs into a crew member, Chris, who nervously asks if she will be at the party.

Later, Canon pulls Verity aside to discuss an upcoming scene and awkwardly checks on her well-being, alluding to her bipolar disorder. Verity is initially defensive, but Canon clarifies that he is concerned for her as a person, not just worried about his film. When he asks how things are with Monk, Verity deflects by pointing out his own transparent, unspoken feelings for Neevah. He denies it, and they agree to mind their own business. The interactions leave Verity feeling an unexpected thrill at the prospect of seeing Monk again.

Monk reluctantly attends the Halloween party, admitting to himself that he is hoping to see Verity. He finds her outside dressed in a Flashdance costume, where she wins a game of bobbing for apples. He feels a surge of jealousy when Chris celebrates by picking her up and spinning her around. With help from Jill, Monk contrives a reason to send Chris away.

Monk and Verity’s subsequent conversation is hesitant at first but soon warms. He notices a familiar spark between them when he touches her hand. They sit by the pool, where Verity pitches him an idea to add a small cameo for the real-life musician Slim Gaillard to the Savoy Ballroom dance number. Monk loves the idea and suggests they present it to Canon together.

Feeling the beginning of a depressive episode, Verity forces herself out of bed to attend a film screening to support her friend from USC, Desiree. At the afterparty, Verity is aggressively confronted by a man she doesn’t remember but with whom she evidently slept during a past manic episode. Monk intervenes and makes the man back off.

Monk reveals he is there supporting Meekah Frank, a woman he used to date who has a small part in Desiree’s film. The news stings Verity. During their conversation, they realize the cemetery is showing Brown Sugar, a movie they both loved in college. They bond while reminiscing and quoting lines from the film. After they part ways, Verity acknowledges to herself that the powerful attraction between them remains even after all these years.

The night after the screening, Monk goes to the Hollywood Forever cemetery, telling himself he isn’t looking for Verity but knowing he is. He finds her, and they decide to watch Brown Sugar together. Before it starts, Verity seizes the opportunity to clear the air about their breakup. She confesses that, while her actions at the Top Dog bar were inexcusable, she never actually slept with the other man. She explains that she was in a very bad place and was left just as heartbroken by their breakup as he was. Monk is stunned by this revelation and doesn’t know how to respond. He deflects by noting that the movie is starting.

Two weeks later, the cast and crew are on set to film the ambitious Savoy Ballroom dance number, which now includes the Slim Gaillard cameo that Verity and Monk developed. As the team prepares, Verity watches Monk play the piano on the monitors and feels a pang of possessiveness when a dancer flirts with him.

Later, Monk joins Verity in the director’s tent, and the tension between them is potent when he touches her hand. The shoot is a massive success, and the set erupts in celebration. In the excitement, Monk pulls Verity into a hug. He is aroused, and she is overwhelmed by the intensity of their connection. As Verity is leaving the set, Monk grabs her and pulls her into a dark alleyway, leading her to the now-empty set of Dessi and Tilda’s apartment.

Inside the apartment set, Monk and Verity share a desperate, passionate kiss that quickly escalates. He gets her onto the bed, where he brings her to orgasm. He stops before they can have intercourse, insisting they need to talk first.

Monk lays out a clear set of rules for a potential relationship. He proposes a casual, non-monogamous arrangement, stating he does not want any “soulmate shit.” Though visibly disappointed by the terms, Verity agrees. They decide to use the upcoming Thanksgiving break to think it over and will begin their arrangement when they return to set if they both still agree.

Monk spends his Thanksgiving break in Virginia. He’s playing gospel hymns on his mother’s piano when his father, from whom he is semi-estranged, pays a visit. They have a candid conversation about his father’s past infidelity and Monk’s subsequent loss of faith. His father reveals he has retired as a pastor and now teaches theology. When his father asks about his love life, Monk admits his complicated situation with Verity, including her past betrayal. He explains they are considering a casual arrangement while they work together. His father advises him that, in times of uncertainty, God often provides a sign to show the right path.

In Georgia for Thanksgiving, Verity sends a flirtatious text to Monk, which contains an embarrassing typo. While her aunts fuss over her mental health, Verity learns from Mel that Tessa is avoiding contact, raising concerns that she is not managing her bipolar disorder. Having just defended her own stability to her aunts, Verity decides to give Tessa the space and trust she herself desires.

Later, Monk calls. Their conversation is charged with flirtation, and he invites her to return to LA early so he can sing for her. He confirms that he wants to move forward with their arrangement, and Verity eagerly agrees, deciding to change her flight and leave early.

After the holiday, Verity arrives at Monk’s mid-century modern home in LA. Before opening the door, Monk reminds himself that their arrangement must remain casual and open. While he heats up dinner, Verity encourages him to continue repairing his relationship with his father, arguing that forgiveness is a gift he can give himself. Her insight moves him. The serious conversation soon gives way to a passionate kiss in the kitchen. He lifts her onto the counter and begins to undress her, but they are interrupted by the oven timer. Verity playfully insists they eat first, and though frustrated, Monk agrees, promising her she won’t be leaving his house until he is fully satisfied.